If your hair is dry, damaged or over-processed, a keratin treatment can rebuild it from the inside. Here’s an honest guide to what it really does — and what it doesn’t — from an English-speaking stylist in Ginza, Tokyo.
What is a keratin treatment?
Keratin is the protein your hair is actually made of. When hair is damaged by bleach, color, heat or a harsh treatment, that protein structure breaks down — which is why damaged hair feels rough, looks dull and breaks easily. A keratin treatment puts that protein back, deep inside the hair, to rebuild strength and smoothness.
In my salon I use undiluted keratin and collagen serums and work them into the inner structure of the hair, not just the surface. The result is hair that feels softer, looks shinier and is genuinely stronger — not just coated for a day.
Keratin treatment vs hair straightening: the big confusion
This is the question I’m asked most, so let’s be clear. They are not the same thing.
So if your main goal is repair and condition, you want a keratin treatment. If your goal is to permanently remove frizz and curl, you want acid straightening instead — and the two can be combined when it suits your hair.
Who it’s for
- Hair damaged by bleach, highlights or color
- Dry, rough or brittle hair that breaks easily
- Hair damaged by a previous treatment at another salon
- Anyone who wants softer, shinier, healthier-feeling hair
What it does — and what it doesn’t
An honest answer matters more to me than a sale. A keratin treatment will make hair noticeably smoother, stronger and shinier, and it makes daily styling much easier. What it will not do is magically undo severe damage in one visit. Badly damaged hair recovers as a process, over a few visits and with the right home care. I’ll always tell you honestly what one treatment can realistically achieve for your hair.
My approach: gentle, and kind to your scalp
Many clients who come to me already have sensitive scalps from over-processing, so I keep the whole process gentle. I focus the repair on the hair itself, choose products that won’t irritate the skin, and combine the treatment with a careful cut to remove the most damaged ends — there’s no point treating hair that’s already broken. You can see a real example in this damaged hair repair before & after.
How long it lasts & aftercare
A keratin treatment typically lasts several weeks, and the effect builds the more consistently you care for your hair at home. Home care matters as much as the salon work — I usually recommend a gentle shampoo such as Amatora Mezzoforte and a heat-protecting oil like Kérastase Huile Chronologiste before drying.
Pricing & booking
Treatments start from ￥11,000 depending on hair length and condition; a cut can be added from ￥8,800. Because every head of damaged hair is different, the best thing is to send me a photo and I’ll give you an honest price and plan — in English or 中文. See the full services & pricing.
Common questions
Will a keratin treatment straighten my hair?
No — it repairs and smooths, but your natural wave or curl stays. For permanent straightening you want acid straightening, which is a separate service.
Is it safe for color-treated or bleached hair?
Yes — it’s especially good for hair weakened by color or bleach, because it rebuilds the protein those processes strip away.
Can you fix hair damaged at another salon?
Often, yes — but honestly, severe damage recovers over a few visits, not one. I’ll tell you realistically what’s possible after seeing a photo.
Do you speak English?
Yes — the whole appointment, including the consultation, is in English or 中文.
Damaged hair?
Send a photo — I’ll tell you honestly what’s possible
Get an honest plan and price for repairing your hair, in English or 中文. No fee, no pressure.
Message me on WhatsApp → One-on-one private salon · Ginza (Tue–Sun) & Yokohama (Mon) · 23 yearsBy Kenji — stylist for international hair, Ginza & Yokohama. 23 years of cutting, color & hair repair.
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